US-based start-up NANO Nuclear has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with EHC Investment (EHC), a diversified United Arab Emirates (UAE) investment holding company based in Abu Dhabi. The MOU establishes a framework to explore a joint venture aimed at deploying micro modular reactors, notably NANO Nuclear’s KRONOS MMR Energy System, and necessary supply chains in the UAE.
The KRONOS MMR Energy System is a high-temperature, gas-cooled microreactor that uses helium coolant and TRISO particle fuel. Its compact, modular architecture is intended to support flexible deployment and scalable power output, from single-unit configurations to gigawatt-class multi-reactor clusters capable of powering large industrial and civil campuses as well as other applications, including governmental requirements.
The MOU is a non-binding statement of intention for continued dialogue and cooperation to explore potential areas of mutual interest, including market and regulatory assessment, supply chain and manufacturing readiness, as well as potential commercial joint venture arrangements between NANO Nuclear and EHC.
As part of the MOU, NANO Nuclear will collaborate with EHC to identify and evaluate opportunities to enter and engage select regional markets, assess pathways for establishing a nuclear supply chain, and identify potential future commercial agreements with EHC or other third-party stakeholders. The collaboration will also explore opportunities to support national and regional clean energy objectives.
NANO Nuclear, alongside EHC, will analyse potential end users and host sites for deployment of KRONOS MMR reactors, including industrial facilities, data centres, and other energy-intensive infrastructure. This work will include identifying relevant legal, policy, and regulatory frameworks, as well as key stakeholders and potential sources of financing and investment to support future project development.
The signatories are expected to seek to enter into a formal joint venture following the successful securing of a first commercial project or order. NANO Nuclear and EHC will also explore the future potential for deploying KRONOS MMR reactors in select markets across the wider Gulf region.
“We are excited to explore the opportunities this MOU presents for both NANO Nuclear, the UAE and the Gulf region,” said NANO Nuclear CEO James Walker. “The leadership of the UAE has been clear in its support for clean energy initiatives, with nuclear energy recognized as a critical solution for delivering reliable, carbon-free power, regardless of environmental conditions. We believe the KRONOS MMR is well suited to the region, offering scalable capacity to meet growing demand and providing a resilient source of clean energy for power-intensive applications and critical infrastructure.”
EHC Managing Director Ali Al Gebely said the collaboration reflects a long-term commitment to positioning the UAE at the forefront of next generation energy technologies. “Micro modular reactors offer a transformative solution to deliver reliable, carbon free power to critical infrastructure, including data centers and industrial ecosystems. Through our collaboration with NANO Nuclear, we aim to enable scalable nuclear deployment, strengthen national energy resilience, and contribute meaningfully to the UAE’s clean energy and advanced technology leadership ambitions.”
EHC CEO Moustafa Rashad said EHC’s collaboration with NANO Nuclear represents a strategic step as part of EHC’s energy vertical vision to pioneer advanced energy technologies and develop next-generation platforms that support industrial growth, digital infrastructure, and long-term energy security. “We will work closely with NANO Nuclear to evaluate deployment pathways, unlock commercial opportunities, and establish the ecosystem required to enable scalable micro modular reactor adoption in the UAE and across the Gulf region.”
NANO Nuclear intends to use the insights gained through the MOU to inform its decision-making in the region and support a disciplined, long-term, and responsible development approach. “This memorandum of understanding represents an important first step for NANO Nuclear in the Gulf region and reflects our broader vision to develop modular, scalable, and reliable advanced nuclear energy technologies on a global basis,” said NANO Nuclear Founder and Chairman Jay Yu.
“The steps we take in the coming months with EHC will help us better understand regional opportunities and align our objectives with those of local stakeholders. We anticipate that this engagement will lead to additional agreements and enable NANO Nuclear to take meaningful steps toward supporting the development of the Gulf region’s nuclear power capabilities. We look forward to building on this momentum and identifying further opportunities where our expertise can contribute to the revolving energy needs of the UAE and beyond.”
EHC is a holding company based on over 35 years of proven success with its leadership and 12 subsidiaries. EHC is shaping a resilient portfolio to create lasting impact for shareholders and drive a brighter, more innovative future. An EHC subsidiary, EHC Energy, is a leading force in the UAE’s energy sector, delivering comprehensive solutions in gas contracting, distribution, trading, operations, and maintenance. With a legacy of over three decades, EHC Energy has played a pivotal role in advancing the UAE’s energy infrastructure, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth and urban development.
